Daily Double: Psalm SeriesНамуна

WHY PSALM 118?

Psalm 118 is both a testimony and an encouragement. Throughout the psalm, the writer recalls moments in Israel’s history, as well as personal history, where God has been involved.

We also have an encouragement to look forward to the future works that God is planning to do. For example, verse 22 is a future reference to Jesus! Jesus was the stone that was rejected, but he is now the cornerstone of our faith. How cool is that!

VITAL VERSE

Verse 5 - In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.

The vital verse summarises the entire theme of the psalm. When you are distressed, turn to God and not yourself for the answers.

SUB SKILL: REGULARLY REFLECT ON YOUR TESTIMONY

Our testimonies are designed to build our faith. Moments of doubt can be filled with memories of great faith in a moment. All you have to do is prayerfully reflect on it!

SOLO GO: WRITE OUT YOUR TESTIMONY

The word ‘testimony’ gives us ideas of a life story filled with ups and downs – but a better way to think of a ‘testimony’ is an episode. You don’t pack the whole storyline into one TV show episode. Life is the same.

A testimony can be as simple as a day where God really speaks to you and it changes how you see the world. A testimony can be based on a scripture you read. Or it can be the last few years of your life summarised.

Either way – write down what’s been happening lately as a way to shape your heart toward God and what He has actively done in your life lately... (and do it as regularly as possible!).

THANKSGIVING PRAYERS

We all love when we’re acknowledged for things that we do for others. We don’t need it – but we like it. God is the same. We have the opportunity to share our thanks for God and with God as an act of close relationship with him.

What are you thankful for in your life? How has God made it happen?

Thanksgiving is usually a key part of every time of prayer we pray – but sometimes it’s great to devote a whole prayer time simply to the act of thanking God. Go for it!